CP3, Griffin help subdue Kobe in L.A. showdown

Two stud performances usually trumps one — even if Kobe Bryant is involved.

That was the case Saturday night at the Staples Center when Chris Paul and Blake Griffin combined to top another huge Bryant effort as the Los Angeles Clippers claimed a 102-94 victory over the Lakers.

Paul went for 33 points and six assists and Griffin chipped in with 22 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Those efforts helped overcome Bryant, who erupted for his fourth consecutive 40-plus scoring game with 42 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

“We were struggling,” Bryant told the Los Angeles Times. “It seemed like we were dead in the water. I didn’t get us off to a good start at all. I took the responsibility to generate some energy and get us back in the game.”

It enabled the Clippers to claim their fifth victory in their last six games as they attempt to shed their tag as perennial losers.

“It’s definitely going to take time if we’re going to remove that label,” Griffin told the Associated Press. “We don’t care. We’re worried about this year.”

In the process, Griffin and Paul headed Saturday’s Studs and Duds for the top performances across the league.

STUDS:

Los Angeles Clippers G Chris Paul: Notched 33 points, six assists, four rebounds, three steals and was a team-best plus-15 in the Clippers’ victory over the Lakers.

Los Angeles Clippers F Blake Griffin: Produced 22 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and was plus-10 in the Clippers’ conquest of the Lakers.